Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) drives the ball down the court in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) drives the ball down the court in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin dribbles the ball down the court in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin dribbles the ball down the court in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Bobby Hurley of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts to a referee during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 20, 2019, in Dayton, Ohio. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Head coach Bobby Hurley of the Arizona State Sun Devils reacts to a referee during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 20, 2019, in Dayton, Ohio.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts to play in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley reacts to play in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin reacts to a play in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Chris Mullin reacts to a play in the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Spurlock, Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Kimani Lawrence (14) reacts to making a three-point shot in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Kimani Lawrence (14) reacts to making a three-point shot in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State University Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to an official in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena on March 20, 2019. Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State University Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks to an official in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena on March 20, 2019.
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky the Sun Devil in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Taeshon Cherry (35) reacts to a play in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Taeshon Cherry (35) reacts to a play in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon's Louis King, left, passes around Arizona State's De'Quon Lake during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Oregon's Louis King, left, passes around Arizona State's De'Quon Lake during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, grabs a rebound over Oregon's Paul White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, grabs a rebound over Oregon's Paul White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Taeshon Cherry (35) celebrates after a play against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Taeshon Cherry (35) celebrates after a play against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Rob Edwards celebrates after a play against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Rob Edwards celebrates after a play against Oregon during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Rob Edwards (2) tries to shoot around Oregon's Will Richardson, left, and Oregon's Miles Norris during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Rob Edwards (2) tries to shoot around Oregon's Will Richardson, left, and Oregon's Miles Norris during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Oregon's Kenny Wooten (14) tries to steal the ball from Arizona State's Zylan Cheatham during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Oregon's Kenny Wooten (14) tries to steal the ball from Arizona State's Zylan Cheatham during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) fouls Oregon's Kenny Wooten during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) fouls Oregon's Kenny Wooten during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Friday, March 15, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Rob Edwards, left, and Kimani Lawrence celebrate after Lawrence scored a 3-point shot against UCLA during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Rob Edwards, left, and Kimani Lawrence celebrate after Lawrence scored a 3-point shot against UCLA during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher, AP

UCLA's Jaylen Hands passes around Arizona State's Romello White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

UCLA's Jaylen Hands passes around Arizona State's Romello White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Romello White, right, fouls UCLA's Moses Brown during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Romello White, right, fouls UCLA's Moses Brown during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher, AP

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, blocks a shot by UCLA's Chris Smith during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, blocks a shot by UCLA's Chris Smith during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher, AP

UCLA's Chris Smith, left, passes around Arizona State's Luguentz Dort during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

UCLA's Chris Smith, left, passes around Arizona State's Luguentz Dort during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 men's tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher, AP

ASU's Remy Martin (1) shoots a free throw against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) shoots a free throw against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's DeQuon Lake (32) wins the tip against Arizona's Ira Lee during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's DeQuon Lake (32) wins the tip against Arizona's Ira Lee during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Bobby Hurley yells at an official during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Bobby Hurley yells at an official during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Remy Martin (1) puts his hands on his knees after a turnover against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) puts his hands on his knees after a turnover against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) shoots a free throw during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) shoots a free throw during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) yells to his teammates during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) yells to his teammates during the second half against Arizona at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Remy Martin (1) makes a layup against Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) makes a layup against Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Romello White (23) and Arizona's Chase Jeter (4) position for an inbounds play during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Romello White (23) and Arizona's Chase Jeter (4) position for an inbounds play during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Remy Martin (1) makes a layup against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) makes a layup against Arizona during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) dribbles the ball up the court away from Arizona's Ryan Luther (10) during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) dribbles the ball up the court away from Arizona's Ryan Luther (10) during the second half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Romello White (23) and Zylan Cheatham (45) grab Luguentz Dort (0) after he was called for a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Romello White (23) and Zylan Cheatham (45) grab Luguentz Dort (0) after he was called for a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley waits for the game to start against Arizona before the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley waits for the game to start against Arizona before the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Remy Martin (1) looks at the Arizona fans during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Remy Martin (1) looks at the Arizona fans during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Luguentz Dort (0) yells at Arizona's Dylan Smith (3) drawing a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Luguentz Dort (0) yells at Arizona's Dylan Smith (3) drawing a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Luguentz Dort (0) yells at Arizona's Dylan Smith (3) drawing a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Luguentz Dort (0) yells at Arizona's Dylan Smith (3) drawing a technical foul during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley yells to officials during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley yells to officials during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) reacts after turning the ball over to Arizona during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's Zylan Cheatham (45) reacts after turning the ball over to Arizona during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley yells to officials during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

ASU's head coach Bobby Hurley yells to officials during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona's Justin Coleman (12) steals the ball from ASU's Kamani Lawrence (14) during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona's head coach Sean Miller yells to his team as they play ASU during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona's head coach Sean Miller yells to his team as they play ASU during the first half at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

An Arizona cheerleader twirls her light up baton during the pregame at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

An Arizona cheerleader twirls her light up baton during the pregame at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona's mascots and cheerleaders perform during the pregame at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019. Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona's mascots and cheerleaders perform during the pregame at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Ariz. on March 9, 2019.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley reacts to a call during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71. Amanda Loman, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State head coach Bobby Hurley reacts to a call during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71.
Amanda Loman, AP

Arizona State's Rob Edwards (2) goes up for a shot against Oregon State's Warren Washington (22) and Ethan Thompson (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71. Amanda Loman, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Rob Edwards (2) goes up for a shot against Oregon State's Warren Washington (22) and Ethan Thompson (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71.
Amanda Loman, AP

Oregon State's Ethan Thompson (5) tries to slip past Arizona State's Remy Martin (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71. Amanda Loman, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Oregon State's Ethan Thompson (5) tries to slip past Arizona State's Remy Martin (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71.
Amanda Loman, AP

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) hits a three-point basket in the last minute of play during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71. Amanda Loman, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) hits a three-point basket in the last minute of play during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Sunday, March 3, 2019. Arizona State won 74-71.
Amanda Loman, AP

Mar 3, 2019; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley questions an official during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Oregon State Beavers 74-71. Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 3, 2019; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley questions an official during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Oregon State Beavers 74-71.
Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 3, 2019; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley looks up at a replay in protest to an officials call during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Oregon State Beavers 74-71. Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Mar 3, 2019; Corvallis, OR, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley looks up at a replay in protest to an officials call during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Gill Coliseum. The Arizona State Sun Devils beat the Oregon State Beavers 74-71.
Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley gestures to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley gestures to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch, AP

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, pulls down a rebound next to Oregon's Paul White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Kimani Lawrence, right, pulls down a rebound next to Oregon's Paul White during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch, AP

Oregon's Payton Pritchard, center, goes up for a reverse layup between Arizona State's Rob Edwards, left, Zylan Cheatham, and Luguentz Dort, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. Chris Pietsch, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Oregon's Payton Pritchard, center, goes up for a reverse layup between Arizona State's Rob Edwards, left, Zylan Cheatham, and Luguentz Dort, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Eugene, Ore.
Chris Pietsch, AP

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) takes a shot while being guarded by California Golden Bears guard Matt Bradley (20) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) takes a shot while being guarded by California Golden Bears guard Matt Bradley (20) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Luguentz Dort (0) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks with guard Luguentz Dort (0) who took a hard fall during a men's basketball game against the California Golden Bears at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Bobby Hurley talks with guard Luguentz Dort (0) who took a hard fall during a men's basketball game against the California Golden Bears at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Rob Edwards (2) takes a shot during a men's basketball game against the California Golden Bears at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State Sun Devils guard Rob Edwards (2) takes a shot during a men's basketball game against the California Golden Bears at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) takes a shot while being guarded by California Golden Bears forward Grant Anticevich (34) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State Sun Devils forward Romello White (23) takes a shot while being guarded by California Golden Bears forward Grant Anticevich (34) during a men's basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe on February 24.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) is greeted by players on the bench as he come out of the game during the first half against Oregon, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb) Darryl Webb, AP

Photos: ASU basketball season 2018-19

Arizona State's Luguentz Dort (0) is greeted by players on the bench as he come out of the game during the first half against Oregon, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
Darryl Webb, AP

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It got a little tense late in the second half, but ASU was never in serious trouble. St. John’s put up putrid shooting percentages from the floor, line and 3-point range.

For Hurley and the Sun Devils, it was special to make the Big Dance two years in a row. It was a feat the program hadn’t pulled in almost 40 years.

Mar 20, 2019; Dayton, OH, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Remy Martin (1) drives the ball down the court in the second half against the St. John's Red Storm in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports(Photo: Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

But a second consecutive loss in the play-in round would have felt like a letdown.

Hurley has proved to be an outstanding recruiter and reloaded the 2018-19 squad with rookies like Luguentz Dort and Taeshon Cherry, plus transfers like Zylan Cheatham and Rob Edwards.

On paper, this year’s squad was better than the small, scrappy unit that went out to Syracuse in the play-in round in Dayton, Ohio, last year.

A loss to St. John’s would have raised all sorts of questions that would have been a wet blanket to a major accomplishment.

Hurley erased that from the conversation by getting his players ready to rip through a fading St. John’s team.

CLOSE

Guard Luguentz Dort discusses ASU's First Four win over St. John's with Cronkite News' Chancellor Johnson in Dayton on Wednesday.
Cronkite News

The new faces were heavy contributors.

Dort led ASU scoring 21.

Cheatham provided 14 points and 10 rebounds.

A tough matchup awaits ASU in Tulsa, Okla., on Friday. Hurley’s old program, Buffalo, went 31-3 this season, and his former assistant Nate Oats will be motivated to show up his old boss on a national stage.

But for now, at least for a day, ASU can enjoy success that the program hasn’t had in generations.

It’s a major step forward.

Reach Moore at gmoore@azcentral.com or 602-444-2236. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @WritingMoore.

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